Hyderabad: The martyrdom of the Editor of ‘Rising Kashmir’, Mr. Shujaat Bukhari is a big blow to the peace efforts in Kashmir. It has created dangers for the lives of the journalists in Kashmir. Media persons are being crushed between the Govt. of India and the extremist elements of Kashmir. Since 1987, dozens of Kashmiri Journalists are murdered. The solution of Kashmir cannot be resolved by force. The unrest among the Kashmiri people should first be eradicated.
These thoughts were expressed by Mr. Iftekhar Gelani, noted Kashmiri journalist who was addressing a press meet at Press Club, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad organized by Media Education Foundation, India (MEFI). Mr. Srinivas Reddy, President of MEFI chaired the function. Mr. SN Sinha, Chairman, Indian Journalists’ Union was the Chief Guest.
Mr. Gilani told that he was kidnapped many a time. About Shujaat Bukhari, Mr. Gilani told that he was a fearless journalist. He further told that Shujaat Bukhari was murdered after Iftaar. CCTV Cameras had become defunct at that time. The important thing is that the terrorists not only attack their target but also others.
Giving the details of assassinations of Kashmiri journalists, Mr. Gilani told that Masood Husain was arrested and brought to military camp and kept there for 15 days. Masood Husain’s 70-year-old parents and sister was also brought to the camp, Gilani added.
Mr. Gilani further told that the calligrapher of ‘Takbeer’ fortnightly was kidnapped and his whereabouts are not yet known. Photojournalist, Maqbool Khokhar was imprisoned for four years without any trial. In 1991, Mohammed Shahban and Gulam Mohammed Mahajan were also treated badly.
It has become common to threaten journalists. He told that after 1987, extremism increased due to the failure of democracy. Syed Salahuddin, Chief of Hizbul Mujahideen whose election agent, Yaseen Malik had defeated an influential minister.
The most unfortunate situation of Kashmir valley is that for many years, it was ruled by Governors and the Kashmiris were put to injustice, Gilani said.
Mr. D. Amar, member, Press Council of India thanked Mr. Gilani and presented the memento of Charminar.
–Siasat News